how to family share steam

This article explains Steam Family Sharing, a feature allowing users to share their game library with family members on a single authorized computer without revealing account details. It details setup, limitations (one user per game, authorized comp

How to Family Share Steam

Steam Family Sharing allows you to share your game library with other users on your computer, without giving them your account password. This is achieved through authorization on the computer itself, not through sharing account credentials. Here's how to set it up:

1. Authorize a computer: On the computer you want to share your library from (your primary computer), log into your Steam account. Go to Steam > Settings > Family > Authorize Family Sharing. This designates this computer as authorized for family sharing. Only one computer can be authorized at a time per Steam account. If you authorize a different computer, the previous one will be automatically deauthorized.
2. Guest Login: On the authorized computer, have a family member log in using their own Steam account. They will need to have a Steam account already created. They will see your shared games in their library. They will not be able to access your account information, email, or other personal details beyond the games you’ve authorized to share.
3. Game Access: Your family member can then download and play the games you've chosen to share. Remember, only one person can play a shared game at a time. If you are playing a shared game, your family member cannot.

Can I share my Steam library with my family members without giving them my account details?

Yes, absolutely. The entire point of Steam Family Sharing is to allow you to share your games without compromising your account security. You don't share your password or any other sensitive information. The sharing is limited to the games in your library on a specific authorized computer. Each family member needs their own Steam account to access the shared games.

What are the limitations of Steam Family Sharing?

Steam Family Sharing, while convenient, has several limitations:

• One person at a time: Only one person can play a shared game at any given time. If you're playing a game, your family member cannot. If they start playing, you'll be logged out.
• Authorized computer only: The sharing is restricted to the computer you've authorized. You cannot share your games from multiple computers simultaneously.
• Not all games are shareable: Some games might be explicitly excluded from family sharing by the developers. This is usually due to DRM restrictions or online multiplayer elements that are tied to individual accounts. You'll see which games are eligible for sharing within your library.
• Limited access to features: Your family members won't have access to your Steam Wallet, trading cards, achievements related to your account, or your profile. The sharing is purely for playing the games.
• Offline mode restrictions: Family shared games may have limitations when used in offline mode.
• Software limitations: The family sharing feature only works for games, not software.

How do I manage which games my family can access through Steam Family Sharing?

You don't directly manage which games your family can access individually. All games in your library are available for sharing, unless the developer has specifically blocked family sharing for that particular title. If a game isn't appearing in your family member's library after authorization, check if the game is eligible for sharing within your Steam library. There is no granular control to pick and choose specific games to share. To prevent a family member from accessing a specific game, you'd need to remove the game from your library entirely (refund it, or uninstall it). However, once you re-add the game, it will again be available for sharing.

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